ORL Ebooks Collection: Frequently Asked Questions

While the ORL doesn’t recommend specific e-readers or tablets, it’s important to choose a device that works with OverDrive, our digital book provider.

If you plan to download ebooks, make sure your device is compatible.

View OverDrive’s list of compatible devices.

Still deciding between a tablet or e-reader? Visit our Device Advice page to learn more.

Some e-readers don’t work with the ORL’s Digital Collection. These include:

• Kindle e-readers (except Kindle Fire) – Most Kindles are not compatible with Canadian library ebooks.

• Kobo Mini – This model doesn’t support direct downloads from OverDrive.

• Older or basic e-readers – If the device can’t connect to Wi-Fi or a computer, or can’t open EPUB files, it likely won’t work.

To borrow ebooks, choose an e-reader or tablet that supports the Libby app or Adobe EPUB format.

You can find more info in OverDrive’s list of compatible devices or on our Device Advice page.

Reach out to your local branch or contact us online to renew—it’s quick and easy.

Building a strong digital collection comes with a few key challenges:

• Delayed digital releases – Some publishers don’t release ebooks or e-audiobooks at the same time as print versions.

• Restricted sales – Some publishers won’t sell digital books to libraries. For example, Audible (owned by Amazon) doesn’t make its titles available to libraries.

• Licensing limits – Library associations are working with publishers to create fair access for readers.

• Tight budgets – Digital formats have no extra funding, so we shift resources from our print budget. While demand is growing, digital loans are still a smaller portion of total use.

Make sure you’re logging in to the same OverDrive or Libby account where you placed the hold. If you’ve recently updated your library card or used a different login (such as a barcode vs. a username), your hold may be linked to your previous account.

Still not seeing it? Contact us at 1-844-649-8127 or email help@orl.bc.ca with your library card number and details—we’re happy to help sort it out.

Yes! Suspending a hold lets you keep your place in line while pausing delivery of the title.

In the Libby app:

1. Go to Shelf and select Holds

2. Tap Manage Hold, then Suspend Hold

3. Choose how long to suspend using the slider

4. Tap Update Hold

On the ORL Digital Collection website:

1. Sign in and go to your Holds page

2. Click Suspend Hold below the title

3. Choose the number of days and click Suspend

4. You’ll see the suspension end date next to the title

5. To change or cancel the suspension, click Edit Hold

Need more help? Contact us at 1-844-649-8127 or email help@orl.bc.ca.

Yes—but only for ebooks in EPUB format. PDF-format ebooks don’t allow text resizing.

To check the format, log in to your ORL ebooks account.

If you’ve borrowed a PDF and an EPUB version is available (with no wait list), try returning the book and checking it out again in the EPUB format.